The Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs and the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism of Parliament have recommended that Ghana ratify the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

This move, according to the Committees, aims to promote sustainable marine resource management and curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Moving the report of the Committees on the floor of Parliament for the adoption of the House on Friday, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, said the Committee considered the Agreement a significant step in global efforts to curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contributed to overcapacity, overfishing, and IUU fishing, promoting sustainable marine resource management.

“Mr Speaker, the ratification would also highlight Ghana’s commitment to global cooperation, aligning with its roles as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and as a founding member of the African Union (AU),” he said.

Dr Jasaw, noted that the implications of the ratification included enhancing measures against IUU fishing and other unsustainable fishing practices; improving data collection and reporting on fisheries indicators; increase transparency among WTO members and supporting global efforts to sustainably manage fisheries resources.

The others he noted were the benefit from fair trade practices in both domestic and international markets; contributing to job creation, poverty alleviation, national food security, and good foreign exchange earnings

Among the challenges and concerns the Committee’s report enumerated were potential impact on local fishing communities, particularly small-scale and artisanal fishers who relied on government support such as subsidies on premix fuel, outboard motors, and fishing gear.

“There is the need for careful consideration of domestic implications and mitigating measures to protect vulnerable fishing communities,” the report said.

The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture finalised a new Fisheries Bill, which will incorporate the provisions of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

“The Committee will closely monitor the drafting and passage of the new legislation to ensure it reflects Ghana’s international commitments and socio-economic realities of fishing communities,” the report said.

Some Members of Parliament (MPs) who contributed to the debate on the adoption of the Committee’s report called for sustainable practices with an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices, reduction of plastic waste, and promotion of local materials for fishing gear.

Mr Habib Iddrisu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tolon, seconding the Motion raised concerns about potential effects on fishermen’s livelihoods, with plans to mitigate adverse effects.

Mr Murtala Mohammed, a National Democratic Congress MP for Tamale Central, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, called for investing in infrastructure and equipment to support fishing communities as well as the improvement of working conditions and resources available to officials in these areas.

Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, said the WTO agreement prohibited subsidies to vessels engaged in IUU fishing, relevant to Ghana’s current “yellow card” status from the European Union.

She told Parliament that the expected outcomes of the ratification would include improved sustainability, efficiency, transparency, and cooperation among WTO members, potentially boosting Ghana’s fishing industry.

“Mr Speaker, potential outcomes will improved Industry Sustainability that will enhance measures against IUU fishing and unsustainable practices economic benefits where fair trade practices and sustainable fishing may lead to economic gains and increased Transparency for better data collection and reporting among WTO members,” she said.